to lead a dog's life

[gaby_mustaine]

Hola:

I understand that this expression: "to lead a dog's life" is a person who has an unhappy existence, but I not sure if I can use it for say for example
that guy had to lead a dog's life for that reazon he commited a duicide...
Is that ok???

Saludos!

 

[ManPaisa]

That man had led a dog's life and, inevitably, ended up committing suicide.

 

[gaby_mustaine]

Ok, Thanks

 

[capricho72]

You must use always LEAD, o you could use have a dog's life?

 

[Ferrol]

"Lead a dog's life" es la expresión habitual.

 

[gengo]

"Lead a dog's life" es la expresión habitual.

I agree. "To have" doesn't work here.

It's a strange expression to me, because I can't imagine a better life than one led by a dog. However, I know that the phrase was coined in earlier times, when dogs were often treated very cruelly. How times have changed!